I did it

I never thought I would, but I handed in my 2 weeks notice to Uni$y$ today. I feel equal parts happy and sad.

Sad because

• Its the first real job I had out of college - its all I've ever known for the last 8 years, and despite the yearly or bi-yearly layoffs, it was still my security blanket.
• I genuinely liked the people that I worked with and I know I was liked in return.
• I almost genuinely liked all of the projects that I worked on.
• I developed a lot of usefull, marketable skills while I was there.
• And when I let my manager know I was leaving, she teared up. And she asked if there was anything she could do to change my mind. And after an extrememly lengthy discussion, she told me she was happy for me and proud of me and wished me nothing but the best. And then she said if the new place doesn't work out, to give her a call; even though we both know, once you leave, there's no going back.
• And last but not least, I'm venturing into the unknown, and I'm worried my family life might suffer while I'm trying to prove myself at the new company.

But enough about sad...

Here's the happy list

• Better opportunity all around because its a growing, successful company.
• The people are all very nice and are excited to have me join their team.
• They have laptops and docking stations (finally I can have a mobile work environment).
• I will be learning new skills and taking on more responsibility (they are putting me on their fast track - weeeee).
• Its the same benefits and commute as what I had before.
• And last but not least its more $$.

So that's it. That's my scoop. And for those of you who are dying to know where I'm going, you can click here.